Canine Obesity

Obesity is one of the most common canine nutritional disorders in America. And vets widely agree that excessive weight can lead to a whole host of health problems. Therefore, it’s easy to see that shedding a few unwanted pounds now can make an enormous impact on your dog’s quality of life.

Compared to our regular formula, Life’s Abundance Weight-Loss Formula contains 28% less fat and 32% fewer calories to help adult dogs maintain a healthy weight and an active lifestyle. And, it’s enhanced with L-carnitine to help the body utilize fat and to support long-term weight management. Click here for more information.

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Merrick Dog Treat Recall

FDA Health Alert for Merrick Beef Filet Squares Dog Treats Packaged and Distributed by Merrick Pet Care
Products may be contaminated with Salmonella

The U. S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to use Merrick Beef Filet Squares for dogs distributed by Merrick Pet Care with a package date of “Best By 111911” because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The product was distributed nationwide through retail stores and Internet sales.

Although no illnesses associated with these products have been reported, the FDA is advising consumers in possession of these products not to handle or feed them to their pets.

In December 2009, the FDA conducted routine testing of Merrick Beef Filet Squares and detected a positive finding for Salmonella. A follow-up inspection found deficiencies in the packaging and manufacturing processes.

Salmonella can affect both humans and animals. People handling dry pet treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the treats or any surfaces exposed to these products. Consumers should dispose of these products in a safe manner by securing them in a covered trash receptacle.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella may experience some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Although rare, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart), arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their health care provider immediately.

Pets with Salmonella infections may become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets may experience only a decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected, but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed any of the affected product or is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

The affected Merrick Beef Filet Squares were packaged in a 10-ounce green, red and tan re-sealable plastic bag. The “best by” date is imprinted on the top portion of the bag, which is torn off when the bag is opened. The FDA recommends that consumers who are unable to determine the “best by” date discontinue use of the product.

Read the entire article.

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All about Vaccine Issues

All About Vaccine Issues and Vaccinations
Clean Run Magazine
by W. Jean Dodds, DVM and Ronald D. Schultz, PhD

There is little doubt that application of modern vaccine technology has permitted us to protect companion animals effectively against serious infectious diseases. Today, we can question conventional vaccine regimens and adopt effective and safe alternatives primarily because the risk of disease has been significantly reduced by the widespread use of vaccination programs, which convey underlying population or herd immunity.

For many veterinary practitioners canine vaccination programs have been “practice management tools” rather than medical procedures. Thus, it is not surprising that attempts to change the vaccines and vaccination programs based on scientific information have created significant controversy. A “more is better” philosophy still prevails with regard to pet vaccines. read the entire article.


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Train Your Dog Month- January

Hundreds of thousands of dogs have been turned into animal shelters because their owners didn’t know how to deal with behavior problems and couldn’t find a reliable resource to help them. We, at the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, think it is long overdue to dedicate a month where we can bring awareness to the importance of socialization and training, and most of all, to inform the public that training your dog can be simple and fun! The APDT has selected January as the perfect month because, as we all know, so many dogs and puppies are adopted and brought home during the winter holidays. Our desire is to help these new pet parents start off the new year with their newest family member in the best way possible. Read the entire article.

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Elderberry, a good defense this winter!

Elderberry Defense® is great to have on hand during the cold weather season as it promotes immune system function and provides essential nutrients for health. It contains nutrients that work together in order to promote well-being during seasonal changes. Both the immune and respiratory systems serve important functions in promoting overall health, and both often come under attack as the seasons begin to change. This combination consists of elderberry extract, echinacea purpurea root and royal jelly. These herbs are known to support and enhance immune and respiratory system functioning.

Elderberry stimulates the body to eliminate toxins. In this way, elderberries prevent weakening of the immune and respiratory systems because they don't allow conditions of stagnation in which bacteria often thrive. Elderberries increase perspiration, allowing toxins to be expelled through the skin. These berries also act as a mild laxative and diuretic, clearing any stagnant conditions of the colon or kidneys. Elderberries help to move excess mucus from the lungs and sinuses, keeping the passages clear and strong.

Echinacea is the most popular herb in America for the immune system; it is mild and suitable for all ages. Olive leaf extract provides antimicrobial activity. Echinacea contains a natural antibiotic called echinacoside. As a result, this popular herb fights and prevents infections in a way comparable to that of penicillin. Researchers at the University of Munich discovered that echinacea increases the infection fighting T-cells in the body by over 30% compared to other immune-stimulating drugs.

Royal jelly is another remarkable nutritive food, produced by young nurse bees from honey and pollen to feed the queen bee. For the first two days of their lives, all infant bees are fed a mixture of special "milk" made by the nurser bees. This milk, which we call royal jelly, is made when the bees chew pollen(without swallowing it) and mix it with a chemical secreted in the glands on top of their heads. In only two days, this potent protein food changes a larva into a small bee. When this occurs, the ordinary bee is taken off royal jelly. The bee that is chosen to be the next queen, however, continues on the royal jelly diet for the rest of her life. This diet is found to be the reason why the queen has incredible growth, longevity, fertility and energy in comparison with the other bees.

Each capsule contains a special blend of elderberry extract, Echinacea purpurea root, olive leaf extract and royal jelly. Click here to read more about Elderberry Defense and other tips during the cold and flu season.

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